In summary
In our March newsletter below you’ll see we continue our focus on ‘AI 4 Business’ in our events programme through the Spring.
Also details about our efforts to ensure public sector procurement is open to businesses of all sizes –and how you can register your business for an exciting new pilot which your local FSB team helped create + loads more ‘stuff’!
As ever, if you need my assistance with anything business related, I’m on: [email protected]
Featured news and events
AI 4 Business: Bootcamp
Did you know that 10% of today’s job titles didn’t exist in the early 2000s? And by 2030, 70% of the skills required for most jobs will evolve, with AI leading the transformation. Ok, so I've 'borrowed' this nugget of info from LinkedIn's own marketing, but it seemed relevent given we have an AI 4 Business Bootcamp on May 1st offering a full day of learning exploring this subject matter, from social media marketing to productivity gains and efficiencies. We'll even have a mini-trade show on the day for businesses who want to showcase what they're doing in this space. If you're interested in AI then obviously you'll be wanting to attend this full day event👇🏻 Tickets £25 members and £35 for - non-members (and this includes lunch true to our NFP ethos!).
Public Sector Procurement – a GM only pilot for small businesses
Public sector procurement may not be the most riveting of subjects, unless of course you’re a business that’s just landed a game-changing contract! Join us for a virtual event on March 7 (booking link below) where you can learn more about this new pilot that launched in GM on Feb 17th, and which was inspired by your local FSB team here. This is all about awarding many more lower value local council contracts to local businesses – and you can read my blog HERE with more details. It may all sound a bit Royston Vasey, but this is well worth a look if you’re a) a business that offers goods or services and b) you’re based in the city region. If you fit that description, my call to action is simple, register your business HERE and tell all your business contacts, acquaintances and customers to do the same. Please do share these details – and don’t forget our virtual Q&A on March 7 where you can come and learn more.
GM Business Support Cafe: Future Proofing Your Business with AI, 9 Apr (12-1.15pm)
Join award-winning Action Coach Karl Morris for a virtual lunch 'n learn session exploring how AI can revolutionise your business. This interactive session covers why AI is essential, its key applications in sales, marketing, customer service, operations, and decision-making. Learn about practical AI tools like ChatGPT and HubSpot AI, low-cost solutions, and how to overcome adoption barriers. We'll also discuss free Greater Manchester resources, including Salford Uni's Open AI platform and Growth Hub programs, plus our upcoming AI Bootcamp on May 1st. Discover how to identify AI opportunities and implement them effectively. Q&A and open discussion included.
In other news
Join our North West FSB Policy Group
Want to make a real difference for small and micro-businesses in the North West? Join our dedicated policy group! We're seeking FSB member business owners to contribute to just one or two 90-minute virtual meetings a year. Sessions are rotated to ensure diverse perspectives. Your input directly informs our engagement with local decision-makers, conveying the business viewpoint on critical issues. Discussions also feed into FSB’s English Policy Unit and national lobbying efforts, impacting policy on topics ranging from business rates and energy costs to the overall cost of doing business. So if you have views on the challenges facing your business, from the NI increase to spiralling energy costs – and other pressing concerns – we want to hear from you. Share your experiences and help us advocate for change. Interested? Contact Robert Downes to get involved.
Do you have a face for radio?
Greater Manchester is now home to some of the biggest media and news organisations in the country, and as such we're constantly asked by media for willing business case studies. Let me explain: later this month an FSB hospitality business will be featuring on BBC NW News to help them tell the story of the troubles facing the food and drink sector, set against a backdrop of the mounting cost pressures when the new tax year starts in April. If you would like to be a business case study like that, don't mind money-can't-buy publicity by appearing on local radio, TV, or print/online media - or would just like to understand a bit more about what this entails - then drop me a line and we can look at making you (and your business) 'famous'.
Still in the news
Events in GM - “I must do more networking in 2025!”
If that’s you, you’re in luck as we have networking to suit all tastes and types; there’s Network Altrincham and Network Alderley Edge with our partners at Colony – FSB members should use the discount code TBNSM for 50% off the ticket price. And make a note in your diary for the next Network MediaCity – our flagship event which in January saw over 150 attend on the night – on April 30.
Is your MP working for you?
If you have an issue you’d like to raise with your local MP, or would just like to say hello to your elected representative in parliament, drop me a line and I can help arrange. Bolton MP Yasmin Quereshi recently met with an FSB member in Bolton who needed some quite bespoke assistance. Not only did Yasmin agree to ask a question in Parliament for them, she also pledged to speak with the relevant minister who she said could help. If you think you could benefit from a meeting like this email [email protected].
More news and activity near you
- Lancashire and Cumbria
- Merseyside and Cheshire
- More from FSB North West
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Greater Manchester is Robert Downes. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected]
- follow us on X: @FSBManchester
- follow us on Facebook: @Greater.Manchester
- follow Rob on LinkedIn: @robertdownesfsbmanchester